Regulatory frameworks for online gambling and cryptocurrency operations are being revised across several jurisdictions in late July and August. Authorities in Colombia, Brazil, Canada, Argentina, and the European Union have introduced new licensing requirements, tax measures, and ownership restrictions.
Legislative Changes in the Americas
In Colombia, the outgoing administration led by President Gustavo Petro has proposed making the 19 percent value-added tax on online gambling permanent before the current term concludes on 7 August. Neighboring Brazil has launched a 45-day public consultation period running from 27 July to 9 September to overhaul existing betting licensing regulations. Meanwhile, the Canadian province of Alberta has granted operating licenses to Entain for its Sports Interaction and PartyCasino platforms, marking their entry into the region's recently regulated market. In Argentina, a legislative proposal for Buenos Aires would implement mandatory facial recognition for players, alongside 60-minute session limits and daily login restrictions.European Union Restrictions and Industry Outlook
The European Union will enforce new ownership guidelines for cryptocurrency firms under the Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation starting 25 August. According to CFSP 2026/1847, individuals from Belarus are prohibited from holding director or ownership positions in regulated crypto entities. These developments reflect an ongoing trend of regulatory adjustments affecting tax structures, licensing procedures, product standards, and corporate governance across the sector. An online industry workshop scheduled for 11 August will examine how these policy shifts impact operator profitability and compliance requirements.These policy adjustments follow a series of recent compliance reviews across international markets, where regulators continue to align tax collection and player protection standards with evolving digital service models.